News About This Theater

This was one of a handful of "Cinema 150" movie theaters across the country, designed as an "all-purpose" luxury theater that could exhibit films in the following formats: D-150, Todd-AO, 70mm, Panavision, Cinemascope and 35mm.

Streamlined in a very late-1950’s, early-1960’s post-modern style that placed a premium on functionality, the Cinema 150’s vast auditorium featured a large, detached balcony, oversized rocking-chair seats, a huge curved screen with a 120' arc, and a phenomenal sound system. The theater could hold well over 1,000 (probably 1,200 or 1,400).

In contrast to the "golf ball" style of the now-restored Cinerama in California, this theater favored a simple, understated red brick and concrete exterior that blended in with the suburban surroundings.

Right up through its last days of operation, the theater remained immaculately maintained and well attended for blockbuster movies. Unfortunately, however, the geniuses at the United Artists chain decided to build a 12 screen stadium theater a mere one mile away in 2000. Not only did UA demolish the last remaining drive-in on Long Island, the Westbury Drive-In, to make room for the new multiplex, but it ultimately led to their decision to shut down the Cinema 150.

Although it was always a popular place to see a film, few people seemed to know of the theater’s unique design and technological amenities, and thus it was gutted to make way for a health club without a peep.

I worked at the 150 for a few years. We took pride in our job and it was a fun atmosphere we were all friends and being a single theatre once the movie started we had little to do. so of course being 18-19 years old we had a blast and enjoyed our job.
I agree with bobt that the seating was 98x seats. I worked the ticket booth for the entire time I was there and we would often have to stop selling tickets when we hit 920 or so because the remainder of the seats would be first few rows and people would often come back when the movie started to get their money back. I would remember all the patrons by face, some by name because they would come for each new movie. For me personally Terminator 2 stands out, the opening future wars scene would literally take people’s breath away. The theatre spoiled you, to this day i cant stand to step foot in these cookie cutter multiplexes.

Of all of the movie theaters on Long Island, this is the one I miss the most. In 1999, my senior year of high school, I was a part of a large group of die-hard “Wars-ies” who camped out for “The Phantom Menace” tickets. I waited in line for 17 hours. The experience was MUCH better than the movie.

The balcony was an added bonus. I saw a bunch of movies here through the years – “Back to the Future Part III,” “Batman Returns,” “Batman Forever,” the Star Wars Special Editions, “Air Force One,” “Contact” —– many others. The last movie I was able to see before this place closed for good was “Mission Impossible 2.”

Never noticed before, but the address at the top has to be wrong. Perhaps it’s already been mentioned here, I haven’t checked all previous comments to be sure, but the 7550 Jericho Turnpike address would appear to be correct, as it maps accurately to the location of this theater, just off the Seaford Oyster Bay exit ramp, eastbound onto Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.

Not sure where the 111 Jericho Turnpike address originated. It maps to the west of the Syosset Triplex, to a Home Depot, adjacent to Syosset Hospital.

There was only one UA 150, that is the one on Jericho Turnpike. The gym is there now. Another one was announced for the Gardiner Manor Shopping Center on Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore but that was never constructed.

“Hello Dolly” opened the theatre with reserved seats on March 26, 1970 and played through August 19, 1970. “Patton” moved over from The Syosset on August 20 1970 when The Syosset picked up “Woodstock”.

I invite all that have worked at The Syosset Cinema 150 to join our group ‘Staff of The Syosset CINEMA 150" on FACEBOOK, it should be a hoot. We can share stories, photos, comments and get together once a year to eat, drink be merry and talk THEATRE.

This theatre is actually located in Woodbury, just slightly east of Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway. By the way the building of the Westbury multiplex had nothing to do in the closing of the Cinema 150. (In 1976-7 when I worked the Syosset, we referred to the theatre as the D-150) The landlord didn’t renew the lease of the Cinema D-150 leading to its' closing. Two one time superior buildings destroyed in the greed of the almighty dollar.
Olympus cameras and other businesses were also lost in the lease turmoil. But, I got the enjoyment of working at both of theatres and being a loyal patron of the D-150 until it closed.